Happy Holidays Dwellers!

This time of year means something different for everyone. Generally for  me it’s a time of panic all the way up till Dec 24th which is when I do most of my shopping. (Don’t judge me).  Thank fully the internet coupled with small boutique shops for those unique giftees have helped me tremendously. Once the holidays slow down, you return from endless hours of travel, sit back and begin unpacking the memories.

Here’s a recap of the best of the best and top ten favs: A Holiday Gift Review

Giftee:  Miss Crafty McCrafteron

Martha breaks it down in her A to Z guide of endless inspiring and easy to do crafts.  Tips, advice and easy to follow instructions will help fill your craft room with all the decoupage and floating candles that you can handle.  You can purchase this book through amazon for an average price of $23.10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giftee: The Traveling Vagabond

 

Having trouble tracking travel due to passport stamp shortages. No problem. Scratch off where you’ve been on this high quality world map. From Urban Outfitters for $34.00 32″w x 23″h. Searching for treasure? Running from the law? Visiting long lost cousins abroad? Scratch it and track it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giftee: Men

I hate to make mention of stereotypes but i’ve never met a man that didn’t like bacon or chocolate. In fact i’ve been privy to many heated battles amongst my man-friends siding that bacon makes everything better but nothing can make bacon better. Listen, I’m not that huge of a fan of bacon but I would try this Mini Bacon Candy Bar Library. It’s a 9 bar gift set of both milk and dark 1/2 oz. chocolate bacon bars. It’s also gluten free. So there’s that too. You can purchase this set for $25 from vosgeschocolate.com

 

 

 

 

 

Giftee: Whiskey Lovers

 

For the person who loves to get lively with their libations.  Handcrafted from soapstoners in Vermont these cubes keep the drinks cold without watering them down. Stick them in the freezer and pop a few in your spirits to keep it cool.  A set of 9 for only $19.99 from Winestuff.com  “Ice melts. Whiskey Rocks”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giftee: Snuggle Buddy

 

It’s chilly in the midwest this time of year and nothing is better than being able to use your gift right away. Wrap yourself up in cozy blanket from west elm. These happen to be machine washable, great colors and for a good price of $69.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giftee: Tech Savvy Geek

For the computer/nerd in all of us. These 4GB USB Flash drives pack that extra “POW”. These stylish and sexy MIMOBOTS can be found at vat19.com for $24.99. Huge hit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giftee: The TOTS

 

 

Kids and adults of all ages can get behind Jim Hensons ingenuity. The muppet five-pack was a huge hit this season and includes the first three full season shows, the Muppet Movie, Muppets Treasure Island and a tin pack for the little ones with stickers and activity books. Hours and hours of fun and silly witty humor comprised in one neat little package. Wocka Wocka Wocka!  This set can be found on Amazon for $98.00

 

 

 

 

 

Giftee: Teen Titans

What a girl wants … an I phone 4s, apparently. Apple expected to release the iPhone 5 but upgraded and refreshed the iPhone 4 instead only to be pleasantly surprised by record sales. The iPhone 4 s now has a bigger brain and 8 MP camera (I don’t know what the means either, but it’s fast and kinda a big deal).  I should mention it’s 7x increase in graphical processing power which is great for downloading, taking photos, snapping between apps etc. The best thing about the 4s and the main reason that I personally believe they sold remarkably well is Siri, the incredibly accurate voice recognition service. Want to know where to hide a dead body? Just ask Siri, she’ll promptly tell you various suitable locations and cemeteries. I’ve witnessed this first hand. Not like I have anything to hide or anything.

Giftee:Bundles of joy

 

 

Elmo has been vibrating and laughing his a** to the bank for the last 15 years. Every year he comes back new and improved. Elmo, go get yours. I’m not mad at you or Hasbro for making a giga-billion dollars.  I love your new Rock N’ Roll look and the noise making percussion set that comes along with you only add to the entertainment value.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giftee: Oldies but Goodies

 

Anyone remember these things? Cameras. Before they were installed into cell phones these digital gurus documented more memories than you could possibly remember. This specific model PEN E-PM1 From Olympus is easy to use, super fast, highly technical, light weight and portable and comes with a ton of filter features allowing you to shoot popart colorful to various other settings.  Don’t believe me … check out their website www.olympusamerica.com and search for this bad boy. There is a setting that allows you to try it out and see what each filter looks like. Be as dramatic as you want for the affordable price of $499.

 

 

 

The Holiday panic leaves the minute the computer shuts down and family is by your side. So the best gift for me is the time I’m able to spend with my family and friends. The people you love and the time you are able to spend with them is the most precious gift anyone could have.  Though a gyrating Elmo could be next best.